Ohio Regulators Continue to Defend Deregulated Markets

Retail Energy Buyer has reported on the proceedings in Ohio where utilities asked regulators to approve long-term contracts for aging power contracts, circumventing standard wholesale market rules. This could have impacted wholesale customers throughout the PJM market region. In February, the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) rejected AEP Ohio’s request. On April 3, Ohio Citizen Action reported that the PUCO rejected a similar request from Duke Energy. More specifically, the PUCO approved the utility’s energy security plan at a contract rate of zero, ruling that the plan is legal but not in the best interests of ratepayers. Duke will continue procuring energy from wholesale markets to meet customer needs. Midwest Energy News reported that the company might still appeal the case.